White Sox agree to terms with Canseco

CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox, looking to add punch to their lineup, agreed Wednesday to a one-year contract with veteran Jose Canseco.

Canseco must pass a physical Thursday and hopes to be in uniform for the White Sox's game that night in Baltimore, the team said after Wednesday's 2-1 victory over Kansas City.

''We think a player like Jose adds a presence to our lineup, something we feel we have been missing since losing Frank Thomas for the season,'' White Sox general manager Ken Williams said.

''I spoke with him this morning and he was excited,'' Williams added. ''He said he wanted to catch Cleveland and Minnesota. What we're getting is a very motivated person. If things go well, we'll get a productive person. At this point, it's worth the gamble.''

The White Sox have been without Thomas, their primary designated hitter, since May 10 when he tore his triceps muscle.

It was then, Williams said, the team started to entertain the idea of getting Canseco. Williams said he waited to see how well the White Sox made up for the loss of Thomas -- and to see if Canseco had anything left. After leading the league last year, the White Sox (33-35) began Friday 12th in the AL in runs scored.

''There are very few players out there that you can even hope or dream could replace Frank Thomas-type numbers,'' Williams said. ''This is a guy who has done it before. It remains to be seen if he can continue and put up those type of numbers he's put up in the past.''

Canseco has been hampered by injuries -- including chronic back trouble -- for much of his career.

When asked about Canseco's health, Williams said, ''he's fine. We'll just have to see how much he has left.''

Canseco, who will be 37 next month, was batting .284 with seven homers and 27 RBIs in 41 games with Newark of the independent Atlantic League. He was released by the Anaheim Angels in spring training.

This article published in the Athens Banner-Herald on Thursday, June 21, 2001.